CHAW-FM

On April 1, Craig Timmermans, on behalf of a corporation to be incorporated, received CRTC approval to operate an English-language commercial FM radio station in Little Current and Manitoulin Island. The station would operate on 103.1 MHz (channel 276B) with an effective radiated power of 35,200 watts (non-directional antenna with an effective height of antenna above average terrain of 178 metres). Timmermans proposed to offer a Country music format targeting adults 25 to 54 years of age. It would broadcast 126 hours of local programming each broadcast week, including three hours of English-language Aboriginal music programming interspersed with spoken word segments concerning local Aboriginal issues. Spoken word programming would include four hours 30 minutes of news each broadcast week, of which three hours would be devoted to pure news. The station would also broadcast weather, sports, surveillance material, marine forecasts and community events information. The applicant committed to devote, by condition of licence, 40% of its content category 2 (Popular Music) musical selections broadcast during each broadcast week and between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Monday to Friday to Canadian selections. The licence would expire August 31, 2021.

In February, it was announced that CHAW Country 103 would launch on April 1.

On April 1 at noon, Country-formatted 100.7 The Island (CFRM) got a sister station. Glow 100.7, with a hot dance format, took over The Island’s old frequency. The Island became Great Lakes Country 103.1 FM (CHAW) with 35,200 watts.